Preston Singletary: The Illuminated Forest

The Illuminated Forest, the newest exhibition by renowned Tlingit artist, Preston Singletary, is a poignant tribute to a sacred natural realm; a realm where, according to Tlingit mythology, the Shaman resides. Always interested in connecting the traditions of storytelling in Northwest Coast Native society with contemporary culture and politics, Singletary brings fresh and newly imagined imagery to this most recent body of work. His blown and carved glass sculptures elegantly meld the traditional form-line design and iconography with modern forms, colors, and gestures; calling attention to the cultural threads that connect the two distinct temporal realities they represent.

Preston says of this show, “In the Tlingit territory, the forest is where the Shaman lived. In stillness and solitude, they observed nature and how the animals behaved. They learned about medicinal plants and connected with animal spirit helpers. From the forest came the cedar bark and spruce used to weave baskets, hats, and garments. Trees were harvested to make totem poles to illustrate clan histories and make utilitarian objects such as bowls, spoons, boxes, tools for hunting, and canoes for transportation. The forest is also home to the animals; bears, wolves and supernatural animals such as the Cannibal Giant and Kushtaka, the land otters. These are the images of the illuminated forest”.

The new sculptures included in this exhibition depict imagery from Tlingit stories about the animals of the forest, the shaman, and sacred resources the forest provides. Like the subjects that inspired them, Singletary’s sculptures are imbued with power; they carry with them the history and myths of a community, illuminate truths and invoke spirits, connect us to the natural and supernatural, and call on us to be both quiet observers and active stewards of our precious natural world.

Preston Singletary continues to assert himself as a keeper and teller of stories and as a contemporary master of his craft. We are especially proud to share this new body of work with you, our collectors and friends.